This Square Pillow is a Game Changer for Side Sleepers (2024)

This innovative pillow is a total game-changer for side sleepers. It has a unique rectangular shape with 90-degree edges to fill the gap between your shoulder and neck for unparalleled support and proper alignment. It comes in one universal 5-inch height, but if you need a shorter or taller pillow, check out the brand's new Side Cube Deluxe pillow. Just note, the shape is best-suited to true side sleepers, rather than those who change sleep positions throughout the night.

Tester notes: Despite our initial skepticism, it impressed both our Lab experts and consumer testers, winning over many for its support. "I like that it has the same amount of support right to the very edge and doesn’t taper off, so my neck is totally supported," said one, "Before, I’d ball up an extra pillow under my neck or sleep with my hand there."

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: The Pillow Cube Is the Answer for Side Sleepers

The Coop Home Goods Original pillow received top scores from testers and in Lab evaluations. With over 57,000 Amazon reviews and an average 4.5-star rating, many online reviewers agree. Unlike many pillows filled with shredded memory foam, both the cover and inner pillow can be machine-washed, and both looked great after our test washes. The fill is also adjustable, so you can add or remove fill until you find your perfect firmness level, and it works well for those who tend to change positions during the night.

Tester notes: Testers gave high marks across the board for comfort and support, with one noting, "It wraps around my head and I sink into it." Another even compared it to a "small miracle." Plus, all of our testers said they would continue to use the pillow after the initial testing period and none reported waking up with soreness. One downside is the outer cover does tend to pill over time.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: The Coop Home Goods Pillow Is the Best Pillow We've Ever Tested

The Harmony Pillow features a latex core designed with Purple’s innovative polymer grid material for plush support and excellent cooling capabilities. The open channels in the grid offer extra airflow while cradling your head and neck, and the latex core provides excellent support. It's also available in three heights.

Tester notes: It received some of the highest scores from our testers, who loved how supportive it felt, and quickly bounced back when we applied weighted pressure in the Lab. Beyond that, the material was a hit among testers with one commenting that “the texture of the pillow was very unique, very soft and supportive,” although it is heavier than other pillows. Hot sleepers also noted it helped maintain a comfortable body temperature at night.

The Layla pillow has an innovative hybrid fill made with kapok (a fluffy, silky natural fiber that's similar to cotton) and shredded memory foam. This results in a supportive and plush feel, which garnered high praise from our testers. On top of that, the fill is adjustable, so you can tailor it to your ideal height and switch positions at night without losing support.

Tester notes: It earned a near-perfect score from each of our testers, who gave it top marks for comfort, support and overall satisfaction. One tester especially loved how it “forms to your sleeping position” for proper alignment. The downside is that the gray cover is visible through some pillowcases, and the pillow may be too thin for users with broad shoulders.

Down alternative pillows are a great substitute for down if you have an allergy or want a more affordable option. And among the dozens we've tested, Tuft & Needle's stands out for its firm support, keeping its shape in both in-Lab and at-home tests, night after night. Each pillow also comes with subtle side piping for a touch of elegance that won't show through your pillowcase.

Tester notes: Beyond how well the pillow maintained its shape, it fit perfectly in a Standard pillowcase and received praise from testers. All rated it highly supportive and comfortable to sleep on, although some said they wished it was softer. One tester also highlighted its attention to detail, saying "excellent quality with good materials and stitching."

The Tempur-Pedic Breeze° Pro + Advanced Cooling Pillow comes in two different heights, high and low, with the high style being ideal for side sleepers. In addition to the solid memory foam interior, there is also a gel layer designed to help keep you cool.

Tester notes: Testers liked that the outer cover is machine washable, and in our Lab evaluations, it did not show significant signs of wear or shrinkage after washing. Some testers noted that while the pillow quickly conforms to your head, it takes longer to return to the original shape if you move, so this style isn’t well suited for you if you toss and turn while sleeping. It's also the priciest on our list.

While down pillows offer ultimate fluffiness for that sleeping-on-a-cloud feeling, they usually don't have enough height for proper neck alignment when sleeping on your side: Enter the Parachute side sleeper pillow. Outfitted with a soft cotton sateen cover, this pillow features a 3.5-inch gusset on the side and it's stuffed with 750 fill power European down and feathers to keep your neck properly aligned. And it still keeps the classic fluffy down feel.

Tester notes: In our Lab, we found that Parachute down pillows held up well to repeated washing and drying. Testers described them as "absolutely dreamy" and feeling "like a marshmallow." For tall or larger individuals, this pillow may not be high enough.

This pillow from Naturepedic is certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS). It's reversible, with one side designed with plush, quilted PLA batting (a plant-based fiber made from sugarcane) and the other side with shredded latex, all encased in an organic cotton cover. The shredded latex fill is also plush and adjustable, so you can find your ideal height and firmness level.

Tester notes: Ideal for a more restless sleeper or someone who switches sleeping positions, the reversible design was a hit with our testers, who also liked how supportive it felt in any sleeping position. Many appreciated the adjustable nature, but one noted that "it can be messy when taking out the stuffing." This didn't deter our testers though, and one even dubbed it "the greatest pillow I have ever slept on."

Made of springy, shredded latex with a layer of down-alternative fill, this pillow with an organic cotton cover was one of the most popular among our side sleeper testers, who said it feels "very plush and soft." It's a substantial 6 to 7 inches thick, and has a gusset for extra structure.

Tester notes: Testers appreciated the responsive latex fill for its excellent support and cushioning. They also found it kept them at a comfortable temperature, with one tester sharing, "the pillow remained cool when sleeping on it throughout the night." Plus, it maintained its shape in our pressure tests and fit perfectly in a Standard pillowcase. Just note that the tall height may not be ideal for petite bodies.

This side sleeper body pillow from Pluto has a full-length design that helps keep your whole body in alignment. Compared to similar models, this one stands out for its soft and fluffy down-alternative fill that wasn't overstuffed, allowing users to comfortably adjust as they moved throughout the night.

Tester notes: Testers liked the cool cover and appreciated the substantial size and fill, which offered just the right amount of support. One shared, "It provided good support for my knees when I slept on my side," while others noted some relief from back pain. We also like that it's fully machine washable, but we noticed some signs of wear on the cover after multiple laundering cycles in the Lab.

Side sleepers should choose a thick, firm pillow compared to stomach sleepers who need a thinner one. The best pillow will keep your head and neck aligned when lying down.

✔️ Fill: Any fill from down to foam can work for side sleepers as long as the pillow is thick enough to support your neck. Solid foam or latex options offer the most uniform support, while hybrid, down and down alternative options offer more flexibility. Note that down or down alternative fills may require routine fluffing to maintain their height.

✔️ Loft: This refers to the pillow's height. Not all firm pillows are going to work for side sleepers as it's more important that the pillow is high enough that your spine stays in neutral alignment (but not too thick!). If you're unsure what loft you need, an adjustable pillow allows you to find a height that's just right.

• A quick test you can do at home is to lie on your side and place books under your head. Keep adding or removing books until you feel you're properly aligned. Then measure the height of the book stack to get a rough idea of how thick of a pillow you need. Just remember that some pillows may sink in a little more than others, so don't concentrate too much on the exact height.

✔️ Sleeping style: If you are a restless sleeper, look for options with plushier fill that can easily change shape as you move. If you stay put on your side all night, a solid memory foam pillow can support your head in one position to help keep you asleep.

✔️ Care: Don't forget to check the care instructions. In our evaluations, some pillows could not be washed at all, while even more pillows only have machine-washable covers. If you are sensitive to allergens, look for an entirely machine-washable pillow, and keep in mind that memory foam is usually not machine-washable.

✔️ Return policy: With so many different pillows on the market, make sure to look at the return policy to ensure you can return or exchange the pillow if it doesn't work for you.